ALDOT installs safety barriers along I-20/59

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — Alabama Department of Transportation crews are beginning work on a cable barrier system on I-20/59 near the Arkadelphia Road exit.

This safety system comes more than one month after six cars collided along this stretch of interstate, killing two people. Monday night, crews started work on a $100,000 dollar solution.

Louise Woody Rhone lives in the College Hills neighborhood and drives through this area regularly.

“I’m 81 years old, and I get out there and drive all the time, but I pay attention,” Rhone said. “I don’t like talking on the cell phone.”

ALDOT Traffic Engineer Brian Davis said he does not know what caused the recent accidents yet, but he’s seen enough to know something needs to be done. He said drivers need to be extra cautious when traveling through this construction zone.

“Our workers tend to watch the best they can, vehicles around them,” Davis said. “Very often motorists drive down the road to see what’s going on down there, and they’re looking off the road to see what’s happening. Particularly at night, that can be dangerous.”

Davis hopes the barriers will make this mile stretch of interstate much safer for drivers in the long run. The project should be completed by August 1st.

In the meantime, the Rhone family will keep up a certain family tradition.

June 30 and July 1 from 8 pm to 5 am: The I-59 northbound and southbound inside (left) shoulder will be closed from the end of the median barrier just north of Arkadelphia Road to the Center Street Bridge.

July 7 through August 1 from 9 am to 3 pm: The I-59 northbound and southbound inside (left) shoulder will be closed from the end of the median barrier just north of Arkadelphia Road to the Center Street Bridge.

July 7 through August 1: The I-59 northbound inside (left) lane will be closed from the end of the Arkadelphia Road Bridge to the Center Street Bridge. Times will be from 8 pm to 5 am Sunday through Thursday except for the week of July 7th through July 11th which will be Monday through Thursday.

ALDOT requests drivers use alternate routes, adjust arrival/departure times, observe work zone speed limits and other work zone signs and use extreme caution in this area.